Industry 



demand 



curve 



Price 



*1 q 2 

 Quantity- 

 Figure 1. — Hypothetical Short-Run Industry Demand Curve for Strawberries 



These data suggest that strawberries and tomatoes have a sizable potential for savings 

 from spoilage reduction. 



In a 1962 opinion survey of the produce trade, respondents thought they could 

 pay about these amounts per pound for radiation-pasteurizing: (1) strawberries-- 

 1.75 cents; and (2) peaches, tomatoes, oranges, and grapefruit--0.25 cent (5). 

 However, these estimates were based on relatively limited technical information. 



Reduced Need for Chemical Spoilage Inhibitors 



In general, radiation-pasteurization would reduce the need for chemicals to 

 control the spoilage losses of fresh fruits and vegetables in marketing. However, 

 it might often be desirable to apply both of these methods of controlling spoilage. 



Radiationpasteurization could be a desirable substitute for certain chemical 

 spoilage inhibitors. Diphenyl used to treat the wrapping paper and cartons of oranges 

 and grapefruit would be a candidate because it has an objectionable odor, and some 

 consumers fear that it is toxic (5). 



IMPLICATIONS OF RADIATION- PASTEURIZATION FOR FRESH 



PRODUCE MARKETS 



Fruit and vegetable handling and marketing methods would not be expected to 

 change significantly as a result of radiation-pasteurization. However, more time 

 would be available for orderly marketing because of increased shelf=life. This is 



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